Chapter One​Oak Creek, Nebraska June 1870

The stage coach came to an abrupt stop causing most of the occupants to grab whatever was closest to keep from sliding off the seats. Liam O’Shea opened the coach door and disembarked. Only a few more stops like this until they Omaha. There they would take the train to Philadelphia, and what a welcome relief that would be from the bumpy coach rides they had endured thus far from Wyoming. He held his hand out for his niece and helped her find the first step.

Brenna had fallen three weeks earlier from the cliffs near their house. She had suffered a head injury that had left her, they thought at that time blind. A week after the fall, she began seeing shadows and lights. The local doctor said she may in time recover her sight, but they would have to just wait and see. That wasn’t good enough for her father. Ferguson O’Shea and his wife, Colleen set out to Philadelphia to see a specialist and had just sent word for Liam to bring Brenna.

Brenna held tightly to his arm and stepped up to the wooden boardwalk. She was exhausted and she wanted to get to the hotel and sleep. She knew that would make her Uncle happy as well. He could use some time to himself. He didn't complain, but she knew it wasn’t easy for him to take care of her.

“We’ll get a couple of rooms then have some dinner. How does that sound?” Liam pulled her out of the way from two drunk men lumbering their way.

“Would you mind Uncle Liam, if I took dinner in my room? I’m exhausted and I’d just rather go to sleep.” Brenna asked.“Of course not.” Liam handed the man at the desk some money for the hotel rooms.

Liam walked Brenna up the stairs and down the hallway to her room. He took several minutes to walk her around the room and show her where things were.

“I’m going to go have your dinner sent up. Then have a drink or two at the saloon.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll check in on you before I turn in alright?”

“Thank you Uncle.” She smiled. “I’ll be fine.”

Brenna lay down on the bed and rested until she heard a knock at the door. Almost instantly her stomach rumbled. She made her way to the door and took the food. Carefully she felt her way back to the bed and sat the plate down. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she smelled the food. It smelled like steak and perhaps potato. She wasn’t certain, but she could smell the meat.

Cautiously she took the knife with the other hand she felt the edge of the plate. She didn’t particularly care if she looked like a lady while she ate in her room alone. She didn’t bother cutting it into bite sized pieces or using a fork she just picked it up with her fingers and continued eating. She almost choked laughing when she thought of what her mother’s reaction would have been to see her daughter eating like a wild animal.

Brenna had eaten every last morsel and put the plate on the table beside the door. She bumped into a chair on her way to the wash bowl but found a washcloth and the water. She realized that she had forgotten to have her Uncle get out her nightdress and she wasn’t about to try and sort through her trunk full of clothes for it. Suddenly several loud gun shots rang out through the streets below her window. Startled Brenna ducked and waited for the fighting to cease. It wasn’t more than a few minutes when she heard a loud knock at her door.

“Miss. O’Shea!” A loud voice bellowed. “You’re Uncle has been shot.”

“What?” Brenna fumbled with the door.

“They took him to the doctor.” He started walking down the hallway.

“Wait, please wait.” Brenna put her hands out. “Sir, I can’t see. Please will you take me to him?”

“Of course.” The man held out his arm for her to hold. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

Brenna held on to the strangers arm and tried to block out the yelling as she followed him through the streets of the town. He explained to her that there was a fight in the saloon and her uncle had accidentally been shot.

The smell of alcohol, sweat and blood hit her nose as she walked into the small room at the doctor’s office. Brenna tried to clutch the man’s arm tighter as he pulled out of her grasp. He had seen enough death in his day and he knew as he looked at the bloodied mess that her Uncle had not survived.

“Hello?” Brenna stood still for a moment then reached out for a wall or something to get her bearings. “Hello? I’m looking for the doctor.”

“Yes Ma’am. I’m Doc. Peters.” He realized that she had absolutely no reaction to the scene before her, nor did her eyes follow his movements. He waved his hand in front of her and watched as she stared blankly ahead of her.“Doctor, my Uncle was brought here.”

“I’m terribly sorry child.” The doctor wiped his bloody hands at the wash basin and took her by the arm. “Your Uncle didn’t make it.”​Brenna felt her knees become week and suddenly buckle beneath her. She sat crumpled on the floor as hot tears streamed down her cheeks and soaked into her skirt. She wasn’t certain how long she sat on the cold floor weeping, or when the doctor had helped her back to the hotel.

Chapter Two​Oak Creek, Nebraska June 1870

It had been three days since her Uncle had passed. Brenna had sent a telegram to her parents in Philadelphia but she had not heard back and her Uncle needed to be put to rest. She hadn’t left the hotel room and had barely eaten since his passing. The doctor had taken pity on her and looked in on her a couple times. His wife had brought her dinner a couple times and a dress for the funeral.

Brenna had sat on the bed for the past hour and struggled with her undergarments, then her dress. She pinned her hair the best she could. As she sat near the window she could hear the quietness of the town. It hadn’t been that still since their arrival. A funeral would do that to a place she mussed.

“Brenna dear.” The doctor’s wife knocked on her door.

Brenna sat on the bed as the older woman brushed out her hair and braided it for her. Usually she didn’t like people fussing about her but she didn’t mind the company, not at that moment. Once her hair was pinned, the woman handed Brenna a shawl.​Brenna held tightly to the woman’s arm as she led her through town towards the cemetery. It seemed wrong to bury her uncle in a strange place, but with no one at their home and no way to send his body she didn’t see much choice that she had. The service was short and to the point. She had already said her goodbyes and cried all her tears in the days before. This was just the final formality Brenna stared blankly towards the ground as she was lead back to the hotel.

Two men stood in the shadows near the hotel and looked up at the windows.

“It’s the fourth one over Rafe.”

“You sure that’s her?”

“I saw her go in the hotel myself. I know that’s the room.”

“Well, you stay here with the horses. I’ll be right back with the girl.”

Rafe climbed up the back side of the hotel and onto the second story roof. He lay down on the edge of the roof and lowered himself in through her window. The room was dimly lit, he could see from the glow that she had left the lamp on beside the bed. He crept towards where she slept and placed his hand over her mouth firmly.

“Make a sound and I’ll shoot you in the head.” He said gruffly. “Nod if you understand .”​Groggily Brenna nodded her head. She felt her hands being tied roughly then he placed a strip of cloth over her mouth. Brenna strained against the ropes, but they were tight. The man picked her up, heaving her over his shoulder.

“My brother and daughter were traveling to Philadelphia and should have arrived a couple weeks ago. We traced their last confirmed stop was Lincoln.”

“I haven’t seen traveling together like that in our town, have you Kyle?” Buck asked.

“No sir.”

“Please Sheriff Cross, we need your help.” Ferguson begged. “Something must have happened for my brother not to have contacted us.”

“Well I can ride out and check with a couple towns around here. See if anyone has seen them.” Buck conceded. “Kyle, you’re in charge. I’m going to ride out to Oak Creek then down to Blue River. I’ll be back in a week.”

“Thank you Sheriff.” Ferguson shook his hand again.

“What does your daughter look like?” Buck asked.

“Here’s a photograph.” Ferguson handed him a small print of Brenna from the year before. “It’s fairly recent. Her hair is longer now, blonde and she’s got blue eyes.”

“Can I keep this?” Buck asked.

“Of course. Please find my daughter.” Ferguson begged.

“I’ll do my best.” Buck jumped on his horse and rode off.

“Are these little towns so desperate they hire that kind of miscreant?” Colleen hissed under her breath.

Chapter Four​Acorn Springs, Colorado​July 1870

​Brenna rubbed her wrists where the ropes had cut into her tender flesh. She was thankful that since her captors had found out she couldn’t see they hadn’t bothered to keep her tied and had given her the duty of keeping their fire going and their pot of food stirred.

Brenna wasn’t the only one that had been taken. The men had taken several other young women and had them in the camp. It hadn’t been long before Brenna overheard what the men had planned for them. She shivered and placed another piece of wood on the fire.

She heard one of the girls crying softly and her heart went out to her. Brenna knew that some of the girls were not exempt from the men’s advances. Rafe, the leader had made it known that no one was to touch certain girls as he hoped they would fetch a higher price. Brenna was happy at least that she had been afforded that little amount of dignity. She sat back against a roll of dirty blankets and closed her eyes.

Chapter Five​Oak Creek, Nebraska July 1870

Buck had been through several towns when he caught news of a shooting in Oak Creek. Buck made the ride to Oak Creek in a few hours and went straight to the Sheriff’s office. He introduced himself and asked about the man that was recently shot there. The Sheriff told him that Liam O’Shea was the man that was shot and that he hadn't seen his niece since the funeral. Most people assumed she left town, though there were some rumors that she was working in the town brothel.

Buck thanked the man and headed across the street and down the board walk to the end of town. The women at the brothel were standing on the walkway, and in the windows trying to lure men in. Buck tipped his hat as he walked in. It only took a few minutes until a leggy brunette found her way to Buck’s table and draped her arm across his shoulder.

“You look like you’ve been ridin’ hard and could use some company.” She purred in his ear.

“No thanks Ma’am.” He chuckled. “I’m looking for a young blonde,”

“Well you’re a picky half breed aren’t ya?” She stood up insulted.

“Not like that, I’m looking for the girl who’s uncle was shot a few weeks ago.” Buck grabbed her arm before the woman yanked it back.

“Keep your filthy Indian hands off me.” She shrieked and walked away.

Buck sat back down and looked around the room. He wasn’t sure he would recognize Brenna from her photograph but none of the women looked anything like her.

“Is that the lady you are looking for?” A petite blonde sat beside him.

“Do you know where she is?”

“Put that away and follow me.” She smiled. “I’ll tell you what you need to know.”

She took on of his hands and led the stranger upstairs, stopping at the top of the stairs for a kiss as she unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. She led him into a nearby room and shut the door behind her.

“How do you know the girl?” She asked as she walked closer to him.

“Her parents are looking for her.” He buttoned his shirt back up again.

“Relax.” She laughed. “I’m just teasing you.”

“Do you know where she is?” Buck started to get annoyed.

“There’s a gang around here that has been taking girls like her. Pretty, with no family, my guess is they assumed since her Uncle died she had no other family.” She sat at the vanity and brushed her long blonde hair. “They take 'em to California. They sell some of girls to brothels along the way. The really pretty ones that can fetch a good price are sold overseas to foreigners.”

“How do you know all this?”

“I was engaged to one of the men in the gang at one time.” She scowled. “It didn’t end well.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That girl, she’s really pretty.” She raised her eyebrow. “They will take her all the way to California.”

“Thank you.” Buck reached into his pocket and pulled out several bills and handed them to her.

“I ain’t takin’ your money just for tellin' you that.”

“Please, take it. I appreciate it.”

Chapter Six​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska July 1870

Kid shook his head as Buck tried for the fourth time to calm Mrs. O’Shea down. He had already explained to her that he had gotten a lead on her daughter and needed to get a company of men together to go after this gang. Had he gone off by himself he would be outnumbered and their daughter would be no better off.

Buck ordered the men to mount up and start moving out. He was grateful that Kid had agreed to help him in the search. Kid had been the Sheriff of Blue River for the last three years. Blue River was just a little over fifty miles west of Eagle Canyon so Buck had helped him over the years as well.

“Mr. McCloud.” Colleen O’Shea quickly grabbed his arm. “Please protect my daughter. She is blind, she needs protection from those that would harm her.”

Buck was not oblivious to Mrs. O’Shea’s glare or her harsh words. He knew the woman would like nothing more than to skin him alive and stick him on a pole. He smirked and rode on ahead with the company. He could hear Kid assuring her that her daughter was in safe hands.

“If her daughter is anything like her, I almost feel bad for the kidnappers.” Kid caught up to Buck.

“She’s a handful alright.”

“Just make sure you don’t scalp her daughter now Buck.”​“I’ll try to control myself.” Buck rolled his eyes.

Chapter Seven​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

Brenna stirred the pot of stew and wiped the sweat off her forehead with the sleeve of her dress. She wasn’t sure how long it had been since she had been there, it felt like months. She had been keeping track but she had lost count. During that time however her sight had gotten a little better. She was making out a little more details. She could see the horizon line, the difference in the sky and the land. At night, she could see the moon. She couldn’t see the stars yet, but the moon was a welcomed sight.

She gasped when she felt strong hands around her waist pulling her against his body. Involuntarily her nose scrunched when she inhaled the scent of his unwashed body. Rafe must not have been in camp, she hated when he left. The men sometimes got out of hand and would forget that some of the girls were not to be touched. She felt safer when Rafe was there, because he was the one that had taken her, but he was also her temporary safety. She felt the man pull her to the ground and pin her underneath him.

“Rafe!” She called out desperately.

“He ain’t here to protect you little sweet pea.” He licked her cheek. “Mmm you taste as sweet as you look.”

“Get off of me!”

“Or what? You can’t even tell who I am can you?” He pulled up her skirts and ran his hand up her thigh.

“Please don’t,”

“I bet a sweet little thing like you ain’t never been with a man before.” He grinned wickedly.

Brenna trembled and thrashed around reaching for anything she could use as a weapon. She could hear him unbuckling his belt and the panic really set in.

Suddenly a gun shot rang through her ears. The man’s body slumped over on top of her, motionless. Rafe walked over to the lifeless man, rolled his body off Brenna and grabbed her by her arm. He held her up and showed her to his men.

“None of you should be lookin’ at her, or any of them like they are women. Because they aint. They are your pay. Next man that touches one of the girls here that ain’t supposed to be touched ain’t going to die as quick and painless as Joe here.”

Rafe dragged Brenna over to where the other women slept and tossed her on the ground.

“You ok?” A young voice asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Brenna pulled her skirt down.

“Me llamo es Araceli.”

“I’m Brenna.” She held out her hand. “How long have you been here?”

“No entiendo.”

“You don’t speak English?”

“Little Inglés.”

“Here.” Brenna patted the ground.

“Dos semanas.” Araceli held up two fingers.

“Two days?” Brenna felt her two fingers.

“No days, semanas,” Araceli tried to think of the words. “Longer.”

“Weeks?”

“Si.”

“You?”

“I’m not sure. I lost count.” Brenna touched her eyes. “I can’t see.”

“¿Estas ciego?” Araceli waved in front of the girls face rapidly.

“Where are your parents?”

“Mama y Papa?”

“Yes.”

“Dead.”

“They died?”

“Se enfermaron y murieron.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Enfermos.” Araceli made a noise like she was throwing up.

“They got sick?”

“Si.” Then she laid still.

Brenna touched her face as she laid still.

“They died?”

“Si, ambos están muertos.”

“I’m so sorry Araceli.”

“¿Tu Mama y Papa muertos?”

“Are my Mom and Dad dead?” Brenna asked.

"Si."​“No, I hope they are looking for me. But I don’t know how they will find me. I don’t even know where I am.”​Brenna smiled at the girl. She knew that she probably had no idea what she had just told her. She took the girl’s hands and rubbed them softly.

Chapter Eight​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

Gingerly Brenna made her way over to where Araceli lay whimpering softly. It had been a couple days and her fever was getting worse. Brenna knew two things for certain, one if the men found out that Ara was sick they would kill her or leave her to die, and secondly if Ara didn’t get to a doctor soon she was going to die. Brenna rubbed friend's back softly and calmed the girl.

“Brenna,” Araceli moaned.

“I know sweetie.” Brenna wiped the sweat from her brow. “I know.”

“We go now.”

“I don’t know Ara.”

“Brenna, por favor.”

“Okay.” Brenna crept back to the fire pit and searched for a knife. She could hear the loud snores in the air, and knew that the group was asleep. She finally found a small pocket knife and went back to Ara. She took her hand and motioned to the horses.

Araceli put a saddle on one of the horses and quickly shoved some supplies into a bag and tied it to the horse before helping Brenna up into the saddle. She hopped up behind Brenna and steered the horse out of the camp. The two rode in silence for a few miles terrified that someone would catch them. About an hour later they were finally convinced they had escaped. They rode through the night and just as dawn was approaching Araceli found a cave. The two laid out a blanket and rested for a couple hours.

Chapter Nine​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

“She ain’t here damn it.” Buck swore.

“Too damn late half-breed.” Rafe laughed.

“Where is she?” Buck pulled Rafe up by his shirt.

“Sold her to some Apache.” The man smirked. "By the time you find her, her own mama ain't gonna recognize her."

Buck looked around the camp. He knew they weren’t telling the truth. The Apache wouldn’t pay what these men wanted for the women and they didn’t have any Indian horses as payment either. He saw two sets of footprints near the horses. Then he realized two of the girls had escaped. One must have been Brenna.

“Kid.” Buck yelled.

“What is it?”

“These tracks.” Buck pointed. “Looks like she and another girl may have escaped.”

“I’ll take the men and the girls to Eagle Canyon.”

“I’ll track the two that escaped and catch up with you.”

“Sounds good.” Kid nodded. “Ride safe.”​“You too.”

Chapter Ten​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

“Paseo por el río.” Araceli said.

“The river?” Brenna asked.

“Follow.”

“So we don’t get lost?” Brenna smiled. “I understand.”

“¿Cuantos años tienes?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Yo.” Araceli took her hand and drew the number sixteen on Brenna’s palm.

“You are sixteen?”

“Si.”

“I’m nineteen.” Brenna held up all her fingers then again with her thumb down.

Brenna heard Araceli grunt with pain. She slowed the horse and slid off. Holding her hands up she helped Araceli off the horse gently.

“We’ll stop for a while, you need some rest.”

Brenna sat her down beside the river and tore some of her skirt to dip in the cool water and lay across Araceli's forehead. She dug through the bag and took out an apple and handed it to her young companion. The cold hard metal brushed against her hand as she dug through the satchel looking for another apple. As her fingers gently pulled it from the bag and she ran her fingers over it slowly, recognizing that it was a gun she took a deep breath and placed it back in the bag.

“Brenna?”

“I’m here Ara, I’m here.”

Buck knew the two girls weren’t too far ahead of him the tracks were fresh and they were doubled up on one horse. He slept during the night when it was too dark to track, but was up at dawn on their trail.

Chapter Eleven​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

“Ara.” Brenna knelt by her friend’s side and rocked her back and forth but there was no response.“Araceli don’t you give up! There’s a town not far, we will make it! Don’t you give up Ara!”

Brenna didn’t feel her breathing anymore. She couldn’t hear her heart beating. Tears slid down her cheeks and fell into the dust and on the body of her friend.

“Oh Ara, no.” Brenna took the girls hand and kissed it before laying it across her chest. “I’m so sorry.”

She took the reins and led the horse along the river. Not being able to see to guide the horse she didn’t dare ride. She took Ara’s words of staying next to the river so she didn’t get lost.

Walking for most of the day, exhaustion was slowly taking it's toll. She looked around the sky trying to gauge what time of the day it was. She could tell that the sun was starting to set. It would be night soon and she needed to find somewhere to camp. The realization that she was truly on her own sent shivers down her spine and she reached into the bag. The gun gave her a false sense of security but she thought if a coyote got close enough she might be lucky enough to shoot it. ​Finding a flat place to rest she decided to make camp near the river. She pulled the thin dirty blanket around her and lay down. Though she was exhausted she only dozed off for a few minutes at a time for the first few hours. It wasn't a deep restful sleep but she did finally doze off for a few hours.

Chapter Twelve​Somewhere in the Arizona desert August 1870

The next morning Buck found the body of a young girl next to the river. He knew immediately with her long black hair and olive complexion that it wasn’t Brenna. Which meant Brenna was wandering alone blind in the wilderness. Buck shook his head. Those girls must have been terrified to risk escaping into the unknown together. He mounted up and followed the footsteps. It wasn’t more than an hour until he saw a figure of a woman leading a horse on the horizon. He nudged his horse into a gallop in her direction.

Not sleeping and having no food Brenna was weak and tiered. She stopped and drank from the river before she urged the horse along the bank. The sun was just coming up and she knew it was going to be a hot day. Her skin already felt blistered and painful. She tried her best to walk in the shadow of the horse to prevent any more sunburn.

Brenna heard a rider speeding up behind her. Her heart raced. It had to be Rafe, he found her! She hastily reached for the pistol and waved it in front of her. Realizing that the chance of hitting him was next to zero and if there was more than just the one rider they would definitely overpower her.

“Don’t come any closer!” She pressed the gun to her chest. “I won’t let you drag me back to that hell!”

“Ferguson and Colleen have been looking for you since you and your Uncle didn’t show up in Philadelphia.”

“What’s your name?” Brenna put the gun down but didn’t let go.

“I’m Buck Cross.” He dismounted and walked closer. “I’m the Sheriff of a town in Nebraska.”

“How did you find me?”

“We tracked the group that took you. Then I saw your tracks that led me here.” Buck took the gun from her hand. “I found the other girl, the one you left with.”

"Her name was Araceli."

"I'm sorry."

"We shouldn't have left camp, maybe she would have, ”

“No, she was sick. She would have died either way.” Buck comforted her. “Take my hand.”

Brenna did as she was instructed and let herself be lead to the river’s edge. Buck had her sit on a large flat rock and he carefully took off her shoes and stockings.

“What are you doing?” She asked nervously.

“Your legs are cut pretty badly. You must have cut yourself on every cactus out here.” He ripped the ruffle off the bottom of her petticoat and after he washed the cuts on her legs he tied the cloth around her legs.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He led her back over to the horses. “We’ll head into the closest town and get some supplies for the ride back.”

“Alright.”

“How are you at riding?” He lifted her onto the horse.

“Alright, as long as I don’t have to navigate.” She laughed timidly.

Buck mounted on his horse and tied her horse’s reigns to his saddle.

“I’m sorry about your Uncle.”

“Thank you.”

﻿Chapter Thirteen​Black Rock, Colorado August 1870

As they rode out of town Brenna adjusted her hat and tied the handkerchief around her neck. They had been riding for two weeks and she was certain she was sunburnt on every inch of skin the sun could see.

“Thanks again for the hat Mr. Cross.”

“I’ve told you its Buck.”

“Well you are a Sheriff,”

“Brenna,”

“And you are my elder. It’s a sign of respect.”

“I’m not that much you’re elder.” Buck protested.

“How old are you?”

“Thirty.”

“Well you are only ten years my elder then. So, you are more like a brother than a grandfather.”

"Grandfather?" Buck raised an eyebrow at her and frowned.

"I pictured you about sixty with grey hair a pot belly.” She bantered.

“I haven’t had much time to work on my pot belly yet.” He laughed realizing she was just teasing.

“So what is Eagle Canyon like?”

“Your average town I guess.”

“This is going to be a very long ride if that’s all the talking you are going to do Buck.”

“Why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

“Well, I’m an only child. My parents fuss over me too much. At least my mother does. My father owns several factories on the east coast. He recently started investing in the railroad.”

“Where are you from?”

“I was born in Illinois, but we moved to Wyoming when I was just a few years old. I don’t remember the city much. My mother hates living in the country. She’s always worried that the Indians are going to make off with her scalp.” Brenna laughed.

“What do you think?”

“I’m pretty sure my mama’s scalp is safe.”

“I meant about Indians.” Buck laughed.

“I’ve only met a few at Ft Laramie. I know it’s not ladylike to speak of politics, but since you asked. It seems to me that we have broken more treaties than the Indians have.” Brenna noticed his silence. “Sorry I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just a silly woman’s view of things.”

“You should never think your ideas are silly because you are a woman Brenna.”

“Well thank you Buck.” She smiled. “Have you always wanted to be a sheriff?”

“No.” He squinted against the sun. “After the war I just kind of fell into it I guess.”

“Did you fight in the war?”

“I fought for the North.” He let out a heavy sigh. “It’s something I don’t like to talk about though.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.” Buck looked over at her and cleared his throat. “How did you lose your sight?”

“I was walking along the cliffs by our house when I fell.” Brenna explained. “When I woke up I couldn’t see at all. Since then though, I’ve been seeing a little more.”

“Well that’s good progress.”

“My parents went back east to find a doctor. I was traveling with my Uncle Liam to meet them."

"I hope the doctor they found can help you."

"Thanks." Brenna smiled. "Do you have a family in Eagle Canyon?”

“No.”

“A sweetheart waiting for you perhaps?”

“Nothing like that.”

“I’m surprised that a brave lawman wouldn’t have his pick of the women in his town.”​"In twenty minutes I've gone from a sixty year old with a pot belly to a brave lawman that has his pick of women?" Buck laughed.

"You know I was just ruffling your feathers." She smirked. "Why isn't there a Mrs. Cross?"

“Work keeps me busy.”

“You can’t be that busy.” Brenna laughed. “Sounds like you haven’t been looking.”

“Perhaps not.” Buck conceded.

﻿Chapter Fourteen​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

Colleen and Ferguson O’Shea ran out to the road as soon as they heard the men were back from the search party for their daughter. However their joyous expressions soon turned to confusion when they did not see their beloved Brenna.

“Where is our daughter?”

“Mr. O’Shea, your daughter had escaped the kidnapers before we got there with another girl.”

“So where is she?” Colleen’s voice became shrill and almost ear-piercing.

“The sheriff is tracking the two girls and I took the other captives as well as the men so they can await trial.”

“My baby girl is alone in the wilderness with that half-breed bastard?” Colleen screamed.

“Mrs. O’Shea I assure you she is in safe hands with Sheriff Cross.”

“Darling, I’m certain the Sheriff will not harm our daughter.”​“It was better she was with the gang that that savage!”

﻿Chapter Fifteen​Eastern Colorado September 1870

The sun was high in the sky and Brenna had enough with riding for the day. She was tiered and sore and just wanted to relax. She slid off her horse and led him over to the rushing water.

“Brenna!” Buck called out. “What are you doing?”

“I’m just wading in the river.”

“Come on, we have to keep going.”

“Please?” She begged. "Just for a little while?"

Buck had to admit, he’d been riding for a long time without much of a break and he was sore and tiered. A short break wouldn’t hurt. He led both horses over to a shady spot under a tree and tied them to a low hanging branch. Unbuttoning his shirt and tossed it over the saddle he glanced back at Brenna before he unbuttoned his pants. She had already stripped off her black dress and petticoats and was standing halfway in the water in her chemise. Buck felt his heart skip a beat as he watched her wade deeper into the water. He scolded himself for his feelings. He was there to bring her to her parents, not anything more. How could he not look at her though he thought? She was an angel. Her long golden hair fluttered behind her. Her blue eyes were like looking into heaven itself.

“Buck!” She turned towards him. “Are you coming?”

“Don’t go too far into the current Bren.” Buck warned.

“I’m not.” She splashed him as he walked closer.

“You better cut it out.”

“You’ll have to make me!” Brenna splashed him again them swam away out of his reach, or so she thought.

Buck jumped in and swam under the water, surfacing right behind her. He reached up and pushed her head under the water playfully. Brenna sputtered and bobbed to the surface. She reached out and held on to Buck tightly.

“You are going to get it Buck!”

She tried pushing his head under water but he was too strong. She splashed him and tried swimming away but he grabbed her ankle. He tried pushing her under water again but she wrapped her arms around his neck quickly so he couldn’t dunk her again. Buck laughed and dove under water with her still clinging to him.

“I give up.” Brenna breathed heavily.

Buck tucked a lock of her long hair behind her ear. Before he had the chance to stop himself he pulled her face to his and kissed her softly. Brenna sighed softly and closed her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss eagerly. Buck picked her up and carried her out of the water and sat her on the grassy bank of the river.

Sometime during the last week Brenna had realized she had begun to have feelings for him. They had certainly gotten to know each other in the weeks that they traveled together. Until that moment she didn’t know if he had felt the same.She wound her fingers around his long hair and pulled him closer. He cradled her head and laid her back down on the grass. His tongue coaxed her lips apart and he gently deepened their kiss. He was completely lost in the moment until his hand trailed down her side and met the flesh at her hip.

He wasn’t going to take advantage of the situation. He wasn’t going to compromise this young girl. Not like this. He sat up and walked over to his horse.​“We have to get going.” He handed Brenna her dress. “We can make a few miles before we need to make camp.”

﻿Chapter Sixteen​Western Nebraska September 1870

Brenna sat and listened as Buck described the landscape for her. She never got tired of listening to his picturesque descriptions. As she sat and tried to listen her mind wandered back to his kiss, the way his lips felt on hers. It had been a couple days since he had kissed her at the river. Neither of them had mentioned it. It was almost as if it had never happened.

“Brenna?”

“I’m sorry were you saying something?”

“I asked you what your plans were when you got to Philadelphia.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I hope the doctor there can help me regain my sight.”

“If you do get your sight back?”

“I’ve always wanted to be a photographer. I want to capture the west before it’s ruined. To tell the way it really is before it’s civilized and it’s trampled by technology.”

“Sounds like quiet an adventure.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“If you weren’t the Sheriff in your town and you could do anything what would you do?”

“I would like to start a horse ranch. Get a house, with a vegetable garden.”

“And an orchard of fruit trees.” She added.

“Of course, fruit trees. Maybe a creek nearby.”

“With blackberries.”

“Are you hungry?” Buck laughed.

“Perhaps a little.”

“Why don’t we stop ahead? I see a little spot that looks like a good place to bunk down for the night.”

“I won’t complain.”

When they arrived at the place he wanted to bed down for the night Buck started a fire and left Brenna to tend to it while he tended to the horses and getting the food.

“That sounds like a really nice place Buck.” She broke the silence. “I hope you get your ranch someday.”

“Thanks.” Buck took her bowl. “I’m going to clean up, go ahead and get some sleep.”

Buck rinsed the dishes in the river and packed them back in his satchel before he headed back to camp. He looked across the fire where Brenna lay sleeping. Her mane of loose blonde curls was tousled over her bare shoulder.

“Buck?” She sat up with a panicked look on her face as she looked around.

“I’m here.” Buck walked over and held his hand out so she could tell it was him.

“Sorry, I heard a noise.” She scooted over so he could share the blanket. “It just startled me.”

Buck sat down and took his boots off then lay down on his back next to Brenna. Sharing the blanket with her in the beginning wasn’t a problem at all, but now it was all Buck could do to restrain himself from tearing her clothes off just to touch her. He just wanted to feel her warm soft skin on his.

“It’s cold.” Brenna whispered.

“I can put more wood on the fire.”

“Just put your arms around me.” She pressed against him.

“Brenna,” Buck whispered hoarsely.

“I don’t understand Buck.” She frowned. “I thought you liked me.”

“Oh Brenna I do,” He rolled over to face her. “I just feel like I’m taking advantage of the situation and I don’t want to do that.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?” She toyed with the buttons on his shirt.

“Bren,” He grabbed her fingers and kissed each digit. “You better go to sleep.”

Before he could make an excuse or change his mind Brenna leaned forward and kissed him. However that was the last thing on Buck’s mind, he wanted her and he was tiered of denying himself that pleasure. Brenna unbuttoned his shirt and trailed her fingertips along his collar bone, down his shoulder. She caressed his neck with a feather light touch and down across his chest. She lingered down his muscular abdomen and tugged his shirt from his pants.

“You’re body feels so beautiful.” Brenna said softly.

“I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me before.” Buck laughed.

“I don’t suppose so.” She bit her lower lip and smiled. “I just mean I can’t actually see you, but,”

“I know what you mean.”

Buck leaned forward and captured her lips with his. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly to him. He could feel the heat of her body through the thin chemise she wore. Brenna was in ecstasy as Buck laid kisses down her neck to her shoulder. She felt his hand glide down her hip, then effortlessly down her bare thigh. His touch sent surges of desire through her body. As he pulled her leg around his waist he rested his hand on her hip and held her firmly against his body.

“I love the way you kiss me.” She murmured.

“You do huh?” Buck laughed lightly.

“Why are you laughing at me?” She asked as she nibbled on his earlobe.

“You just say what’s on your mind don’t you?”

“Is that a bad thing?” She asked.

“No.” Buck stroked her hair. “It’s refreshing.”

“Have you had many women?”

“What kind of question is that?” Buck laughed.

“I’m just curious that’s all.”

“I don’t want to talk about that right now.” He kissed her softly.

“I want to know.”

“A few.”

Buck silenced her questions with a kiss more demanding than the kisses before. He slide his hand up the back of her chemise and rested his hand on her low back. Brenna arched her back pressing her body against his.

“Bren,” He whispered. “We need to stop this,”

“I know,” She kissed him softly. “I know we should but I really don’t want,”

“Shhhh, good night Brenna.” Buck kissed her chastely on the forehead and wrapped his arm protectively around her.

Brenna lie still for several minutes and wound a lock of Buck’s hair around her fingers. She was a bit shocked by her behavior. She hadn’t really even been courted by many men before, and never given any man such liberties with her body. It just seemed so natural with Buck, so right.

“Stop it.” She giggled as she ran her fingertips down his face and stopped, lingering at his lips. “I know you have long dark hair. What color are your eyes?”

“Brown.”

“I like the way your mouth turns up in the corners.” She smiled.

“Brenna,” Buck knew it was now or never. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you and it just never was the right time. Being you are asking, I feel it ain’t right if I don’t tell you.”

“What is it?”

Buck took a deep breath. He’d never had to tell anyone he was an Indian before they just knew. It wasn’t something he was ashamed of. It was what others tried to shame him for. He didn’t want to see that in her eyes.

“Brenna, I’m half Kiowa.” Buck looked into her clear blue eyes and waited for her response.

“Oh.”

​Buck waited for more of a reaction but she just stared at him for a few minutes then drifted off to sleep cradled in his arms.

﻿Chapter Seventeen​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

Colleen O’Shea paced the floor of the Sheriff’s office and continued her tirade. She couldn’t believe that no one was going to send out a search party for her daughter. She didn’t care if the Pope himself said her Brenna was safe with that Indian Sheriff. Colleen would feel much better when her daughter was home and in her care.

She was somewhat comforted that Luke finally made it out there. He had been courting Brenna before her accident, and though she had refused his proposal for marriage at that time. Colleen hoped that in Brenna’s circumstances now, perhaps she might change her mind.

“It is so good of you to be here in our time of need Luke.” Colleen shook her head. “I don’t know how I would get through this ordeal without you here. I know Brenna will be so happy that you are here. She will be quite in need of comfort I’m certain.”

“I’m sure she will Ma’am.” Luka smiled politely.

“Mr. McCloud.” Colleen stomped her foot when he walked through the door of the Sheriff’s office. “I demand you ride out and find my daughter!”

“I told you before Ma’am.” He sighed. “Sheriff Cross went to find your daughter and the other girl. I’m sure they are fine.”“Then why aren’t they here yet?”

“There could be a lot of reasons Ma’am. One of which, your daughter is blind. I’m fairly certain she’s slowing their pace.”

“If they aren’t here within the week I’m writing the captain at Ft. Laramie. He’s a personal friend of our family and,”

“Colleen, why don’t we go have some lunch and let these fine young men do their work?"

Colleen O’Shea turned briskly and stomped out of the office with her husband in toe. Kid shook his head and smiled. He hoped for Buck’s sake he made it back with her daughter in a week or he was going to have to tangle with her mother.

﻿Chapter Eighteen​Wood River, Nebraska September 1870

The sun was tipping downwards and Brenna squinted her eyes from the blurry brightness. She looked across the plains and she could almost make out a few trees that pricked the rolling hills.

“It’s just a few more days ride to Eagle Canyon.” Buck rode up beside Brenna.

“We should just keep riding.” She held her hand out to him. “We could stay lost together.”

“I’m pretty sure your parents would send the army out looking for you if we did that.” Buck laughed as he took her hand.

“It would be nice though.” She smiled and looked over at him. “Don’t you think?”

“Don’t tempt me woman.”

He kissed her hand. Buck smiled and thought how easily he could be tempted by her. How did he loose his heart so easily to her?

“Once we get back to town we probably won’t get any time alone.” Buck stated.

“Knowing my mother, you are probably right.” Brenna mussed. “She’ll lock me in a room and throw away the key.”

“Bren,”

“I think we should tell my father first.” She nodded. “He’s much more reasonable. Once he’s on our side then we can work on my mother.”

“You want to tell your parents?”

“Well don’t you want to court me?” She looked up at him questioningly.

“Ah, well,” He stuttered. “Yes of course I do. I just thought, well, I don’t know.”

“You don’t think I behave like this with other men do you?”

Buck looked at her sweet face. The look of distress was evident.

“Brenna I didn’t mean,”

“I’ve never even kissed anyone the way you kiss me.” She felt a tear trickle down her cheek as she turned her head to keep him from seeing.

“You misunderstand me Bren.” Buck took her hand in his. “The other night when I told you I was Kiowa you didn’t respond. I didn’t know how you felt about that. I wasn’t sure if you were angry or,”

“I wasn’t angry. I was thinking about what you said, I was surprised I guess. It never crossed my mind you being a Sheriff and all.” She pulled on the horse’s reigns and stopped. “I’m in love with you.”​“I love you.” He leaned over and kissed her. “And I want to court you.”

﻿Chapter Nineteen​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

The entire town could almost hear Colleen’s screams of excitement when the deputy told her that her daughter was safe at the Sheriff’s station. Ferguson and Luke trailed only moments behind her as Colleen burst through the door to see her daughter.

“You can thank the Sheriff for bringing her back safely.” Kid smirked.

“Thank you Sir.” Ferguson shook Buck’s hand. “I’m in your debt.”

“Brenna.” Her mother grabbed Luke’s hand and smiled. “Guess who came all the way from Wyoming to see you? He was worried sick that you had been scalped by savages or something.” She threw an angry look at Buck.

“Uh,”

“Can’t you see you are flustering the poor girl?” Luke took her hands and kissed them, then kissed her cheek. “I missed you my dear.”

“Come now, she needs a bath and to get out of these filthy clothes.” Her mother took her hand and practically dragged her to the hotel.

“Thank you again Sheriff.” Ferguson tipped his hat.

“Well it’s about time I head back home or Lou will think I up and left her.”

“I’m surprised she didn’t pack the kids up and come lookin’ for you.” Buck smiled.

“I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Who was that man with the O’Shea’s?”

“Name is Luke Prescott. He’s the daughter’s fiance.”

“Her fiance?” Buck looked at him bewildered.

“Buck,” Kid shook his head. “You and the O’Shea girl?”

“Nothin’ like that.” He scowled.

Kid raised his eyebrow and sighed. Buck was one of the smartest men he knew, except for when it came to the fairer sex. He was a complete idiot.

﻿Chapter Twenty​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

The water was almost cold she had sat so long in the bathtub. Brenna didn’t care it felt so good to soak and wash the layers of dirt off of her body. It would have been even better if her mother would leave her alone with her thoughts, but like a mother hen she clucked around the room. Brenna had almost tuned her completely out when she heard her mother say the word ‘marriage’.

“What did you say Mother?”

“Brenna dear aren’t you listening at all?” She huffed. “I said, we can order your gown from London, or Paris if you prefer. It will be the most beautiful wedding.”

“What are you talking about?” Brenna stood up and reached out for a towel.

“You and Mr. Prescott of course.” Her mother handed her a towel and helped her out of the bathtub. “It’s wonderful he still wants to marry you. Even if you don’t get your sight back. Isn’t that wonderful Brenna?”

“Mother, I told you before. I’m not marrying Luke.”

“But dear that was before your accident.” She helped her dry her hair. “You need to think of your future. Your father and I can’t take care of you forever. You will need to find a suitable husband that can afford to take care of your needs and your disability, should your sight not come back.”

“I’m not marrying someone just because they have the monetary means to take care of me.” Brenna scowled. “I’m not in love with him.”

“Darling, love is overrated.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way.”

“What are you saying Brenna?” Her mother grabbed her face and turned it towards her so she could look in her eyes.

“What have you done?”

“I’m in love with someone, and he’s in love with me. That’s how it should be Mother. Not because it’s a fiscal match.”

“And who is this man you’re so in love with?” She helped her into her petticoat. “I’ve never heard you speak of anyone.”

“I’d rather not say at the moment.”

“Is that so?” Her mother buttoned up the back of her dress, then turned when she heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s just me dear.”

“Ferguson! Get in here right away.” Colleen demanded.

Brenna sat on the bed and put her head in her hands. This was not going as she had planned. In fact it was going the opposite.

“You’re daughter has just informed me that she doesn’t want to marry Luke anymore.”

“Is that so?” Ferguson asked.

“I’ve never felt inclined to marry Luke.” Brenna sighed. “I told him that when he asked me.”

“Not only that, but she has a beau that we are unaware of.”

“Mother you are making it sound so clandestine.”

“Well you have been sneaking around or we would have known about this gentleman caller!” Colleen raised her voice.

“Put your mother out of her torment and just tell us who we should be expecting to be calling on your Brenna.”

“Sheriff Cross.” Brenna took a deep breath and waited.

“Are you out of your mind?” Colleen screamed. “Brenna he’s an Indian, a savage!”

“Colleen,” Ferguson tried to reason with his wife.

“Were you aware of this Brenna? Did you know he's an Indian?"

"Yes Mother I know,"

"Oh Brenna I thought I raised you better!" Her mother shrieked. "Did you give yourself to that dirty heathen? Has he spoiled you young lady? I’ll see him hang!”

​“I forbid you to see that mongrel Brenna.” Her mother shouted. “Do you hear me? I forbid it!”

﻿Chapter Twenty One​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

It had been two days since he had been back in Eagle Canyon and he had been busy cracking down on the local drunks and ruffians. He hadn’t seen Brenna without her mother two paces behind her. He hadn’t seen much of her fiance since the day they rode into town. It still burned him that she never told him she was promised to another and he wanted to find out why she lied to him.

He watched suspiciously as Brenna slipped her mother’s watch and walked along the boardwalk. He was impressed. He not being able to see she seemed to acclimate to it well. She hugged the wall and ducked into the stables.Silently he snuck into the barn and watched her from the shadows. He had been aching to talk to her, but now that she was alone he couldn’t think of what to say to her. He was furious that she played him like a fool, but he couldn’t help but love her still and it infuriated him even more.

“Brenna?”

Buck stepped back into the shadows when Ferguson O’Shea walked into the stables and towards his daughter.

“Brenna what are you doing in here? Your mother was worried about you.”

“She’s driving me crazy.” Brenna looked up from the hay she sat on and continued to pat the horse.

“She tends to do that.” Ferguson smiled. “But that is just her way.”

“I’m not marrying Luke.” Brenna said flatly. “I told him when he proposed that I didn’t fell that way about him.”

“I understand, but Brenna you can’t be serious about the Indian.”

“Father he has a name.”

“Brenna, you know if it were up to me I would do anything to make you happy my darling. This world is cruel though, think of your future. What kind of future would you have with him? People in town would call you an Indian whore.”

“Father!”

“Excuse my language, but you’ll be called names you’ve never even heard before my dear. So would your children. Your children would have Indian blood. Your own mother would hate her grandchildren.”

“That would be her loss.” Brenna felt tears roll down her cheeks.

“I’m not saying these things to hurt you my love. This is the world we live in. Those children, your children would be loathed, mocked, hated. Could you live like that?”

“It’s not fair.”

“I know.” Ferguson stroked her hair and hugged his daughter.

Buck felt his anger rising. It wasn’t lies that her father was telling her, it was the truth and it stabbed him like a dull knife. He slipped out the back of the barn and rode off on his horse to be alone with his thoughts. He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. He just wanted to see Brenna. He couldn’t forget it though, her father’s words echoed in his mind.

“Brenna there’s something else you need to think about as well.” Her father took her hands in his. “You may not get your full sight back. Of course we all hope and pray that you do, but if you don’t you have to realize that you will be a burden to a man like that. He needs a woman that can be self-sufficient. He can’t be taking care of you, and children, and be the Sheriff. It’s putting his life in danger as well.”

Brenna wept in her father’s arms for several minutes before she stood up and walked with him back to the hotel. She hadn’t ever thought of the things that her father had said.

How could she explain to her children why people hated them? It would break her heart. She was certain that she and Buck could find a way to make it work, but her father was right about Buck not being able to care for her. He needed an independent woman. If she stood any chance of any future with him she needed to go to Philadelphia and see that specialist.

﻿Chapter Twenty Two​Philadelphia, Pennsylvania March 1871

When Brenna first got to Philadelphia the days seemed like weeks, the weeks like months. Time went by so slowly. Test after painful test. Then there was the special diet and exercises, not only for her eyes but her entire body. She felt like she was going to collapse the first month she got there.

Within the first month however she saw a drastic change in her vision. Colors were more vivid and images were sharper. The last month her vision had come back completely however, the doctor wanted to complete his study and insure that she would have no recurrences.​She sat at the desk in her room and tapped the pen on finger and sighed. She didn’t know why she continued to write Buck. She hadn’t heard a thing from him since she left Nebraska, six months before.

Dearest Buck, March 5, 1871

I pray this letter finds you in good spirits and health. I’ve finished the last of my tests and the doctor is releasing me! It is very exciting. I can’t wait to leave the city. Though I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed some things here. The restaurants are delicious! Now that I’m off that insane diet and I can eat real food again I’m certain to gain all the weight I’ve lost plus at least ten more pounds. As always, I have missed you terribly. I hope you have thought about me. I haven’t received any correspondence from you. I hope it’s because you are terribly busy and not because you found a sweetheart and have replaced me. We are leaving for home tomorrow. And though my parents are not aware of this, I am going through Eagle Canyon. So, by the time you receive this letter I shall be seeing you in a few days. It is my most sincere hope that you will welcome me with open arms, as if I never left.

All my love, Bren

She folded the letter and quickly sealed the envelope. She hoped that her mother wasn’t right and he had played her for a fool. Her mother had several times told her how ‘men like him’ would use naive young girls like her.

“Brenna? Are you all packed dear?” Her father called out.

“Yes Father.” She skipped down the stairs. “I’m just going to drop this in the mail and I’ll be right back.”

“Where’s your mother?”

“At the dress makers. She wanted to get a few dresses before she went back out into the uncivilized world.” Brenna imitated her mother as she said the last part of her sentence.

“While you’re mother is out dear, I want to talk to you about something serious.” He took her hand and led her into the parlor to the stuffed chair. “I know you have been writing that Sheriff in Eagle Canyon.”

“Father,”

“You haven’t received any letters back Brenna.”

“There’s lots of reasons, he could be busy, they could have gotten lost,” she realized as she continued how ridiculous and desperate she sounded.

“Sweetheart, he’s much older than you. He may have moved on.” He tried to tell her delicately that perhaps he didn’t feel the same as she did.

“I guess so.” She frowned.

“Brenna, you’re young and beautiful. You could have your pick of suitors, but you turn them down.” He raised his eyebrow. “Maybe it’s time to look in another direction.”

“I need to know for sure.” She took a shaky breath. “If we to go Eagle Canyon and he’s no longer interested in me, I'll never mention him again.”

“I want you to be happy.” He smiled. “Don’t tell your mother about our side trip, I’ll break the news to her when I have to.”

“Thank you!”​“Go send your letter.” He smiled and opened the door for her.

﻿Chapter Twenty Three​Eagle Canyon, Nebraska September 1870

Brenna sat nervously in the stage coach as they pulled into Eagle Canyon. Her eyes darted around the small town until she saw the Sheriff’s office. She looked over at her father when she felt his hand on her knee.

“I love you Brenna.”

“I love you too Father.” She gave him a quick kiss. “I love you Mother.”

“Just go.” Her mother waved her on.

Her mother had been in a terrible mood since she found out that Ferguson was allowing their daughter to meet up with Buck. She most certainly did not approve and was going to let everyone know about it. Her husband had already warned her to keep her mouth shut about it, which was out of character for Ferguson. He was usually so mild mannered.

Brenna walked cautiously up to the office and peeked in. There were two men standing near the jail cell, but neither looked like what she guessed Buck looked like at all. One was blonde and the other short brown hair and blue eyes.

“Can I help you Ma’am?”

Brenna looked down and noticed the Sheriff’s badge on his chest and her heart fell.

“Ma’am?”

“Sorry, I was looking for Sheriff Cross? Buck Cross?”

“He quit, oh about four, no five months ago.”

“Is he still in town?” She asked.

“No, he moved out towards Blue River Valley.” He pointed west. “He’s good friends with the Sheriff over there. McCloud, yeah that’s him.”

“Well, thank you.” She smiled softly.

“You ain’t Brenna O’Shea are you?”

“Yes.” She looked at him quizzically.

“Hold on.” He walked over to the desk and pulled a small tied parcel of letters from the drawer and handed them to her. “Since he moved he stopped coming in for his mail. I kept them thinking he might be buy someday for them.”

Brenna looked down at the letters she wrote. She sighed heavily. He never wrote back because he didn’t read any of her letters.

“I guess you can take them to him now.” He smiled.

“Thanks.”

“Have a good day Ma’am.”

“You too.”

Brenna dragged her feet on the way back to the stage coach. She didn’t want her parents knowing the embarrassing truth that Buck never read her letters, then again was it more embarrassing if he read them and didn’t reply? She frowned as she got in the coach.

“He moved.” She said before either of them could ask. “We need to go to Blue River.”

“This is ridiculous!” Her mother shrieked. “You are traipsing all over the county for a man with no better breeding that a dog. I’m putting my foot down! This is enough!”

“Mother, I promise you.” Brenna pleaded. “if you are right about him and he has moved on, if he’s forgotten all about me, whatever the case maybe. If we go to Blue River and he’s not there, or you were right about him then I will go home and never mention his name. I will go to every party, every dance you want me to. I will marry whomever you and Father wish me to.”

“Fine.” Her mother pursed her lips into a thin line. “I’m holding you to that young lady.”

Brenna took a deep breath and prayed that she was right about Buck, that her mother wasn’t right about him. She was starting to panic, realizing that she did hardly know him. She scowled and shook her head. That was doubt creeping in her thoughts. No, what they had was real. It had to be.

﻿Chapter Twenty Five​Blue River, Nebraska March 1871

The sun had barely broken the horizon and Brenna had already dressed and brushed through her long waves of blonde hair. She quickly wrote a note to her parents that she was riding out with the Sheriff and she didn’t need an audience. She would be back before dark and not to worry.

Quietly she walked down the hallway of the hotel and down the stairs. She had been fantasizing over memories for the last five months, she swallowed hard hoping that she hadn’t built something out of nothing. Maybe she was a naïve girl.“Brenna stop it.” She told herself. “Get ahold of yourself.”

“Brenna O’Shea?”

“Yes?” She turned and looked at the man standing in front of the Sheriff’s office.

He was good looking, brown hair with a touch of cinnamon. He had kind eyes. They were blue, and they crinkled in the corners when he smiled. She didn’t recognize him.

“Sir?” She asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He held out his hand. “We’ve never been formally introduced. I was part of the party that searched for you six months ago. I’m Kid McCloud.”

“Oh,” Her smile faltered. She hadn’t met anyone from the party. Was he one of the men from the gang that kidnapped her? “How did you recognize me?”

“I’m friends with Buck.” He explained. “He had a picture of you.”

“You’re the Sheriff.” It suddenly dawned on her, then he showed her his badge.

“Are you passing through?”

“I was actually hoping to see Buck.” She bit her lower lip.

“I can take you out there.” He held out his arm for her. “If you take my arm I’ll lead you across the road and we’ll get a couple horses.”

“I can see Mr.McCloud.”

“Buck told me you could see a little,”

“I was in Philadelphia at a specialist.” She explained. "I've been able to see for a few months now."

“Congratulations, that's great to hear.”

"Thank you."

Kid saddled up two horses and led her out of town towards Buck’s ranch. They made small talk about the weather and the beauty of the landscape. It wasn’t more than a few minutes of the mindless chit chat before Brenna felt like she was going to explode if she didn't ask.

“Why did Buck quit his job in Eagle Canyon?” She blurted out.

“He never really said.” Kid shrugged. “I guess it was just not something he wanted to do anymore.”

“What is he doing now?”

“He started a horse ranch.”

“He did?”

“Mhmm.” Kid looked over at her and wondered why she was here now. His curiosity gnawed at him. “So is your husband in town with you?”

“Husband?” She laughed. “I’m not married.”

“That man that was with your parents said he was your fiance. Buck thought you two got married.”

“Buck thought I got married?” Her eyes grew large and filled with tears. “Is he married?”

“No.”

Keeping one hand on the reigns she covered her mouth with her other hand and breathed deeply trying to keep the tears from falling down her cheeks.

“How much further?” She asked.

“That’s it right there.” Kid pointed to the small ranch.​He barely uttered the words and she was already in full gallop racing towards the house. Kid wished her the best, and his friend. There were a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of anger. He hoped that Buck was able to swallow his pride.

﻿Chapter Twenty Five​Blue River, Nebraska March 1871

Buck heard a horse racing up towards his house. He grabbed his shirt off the fence and tucked it into the waist of his pants as he walked out of the barn. He leaned against the post and watched not sure if he was hallucinating or not. He watched as the rider drew closer, her long golden hair fluttering like ribbons in the wind behind her.

Brenna slowed the horse and brought him to an abrupt stop. She slid off the horse, her hands trembling and her mind reeling. She stared at the man in front of her and memorized every nuance of him. His dark straight eyebrows, pinched in a slight scowl and yet they were somewhat questioning. His eyes were a warm brown color with a hint of amber. Those lips that has kissed her so tenderly, his mouth was chiseled perfection. His long dark hair hung down his back and fluttered across his bare chest that seemed to be carved by the hands of an artist.

“Buck?” It was more of a statement, but she needed confirmation. She needed to hear his voice.

“Brenna.” He took a shallow breath and raised an eyebrow. He didn’t want to look at her like he was, like he wanted to devour her. She looked more beautiful than he remembered her. “How did you get here?”

“I ah,” She wasn’t prepared for the coldness in his voice. "I wrote these, you never read them.”

“What would be the point?” Buck asked angrily.

“Maybe you wouldn’t be so mad at me!” Brenna shoved the letters at him.

“You lied to me.” He shoved the letters in his pants pocket.

“I never lied to you.”

“Your fiance? Where is he? Did he change his mind about marrying the blind girl after all?”

“You’re such an idiot.” Brenna burst into tears.

“Is he here too?” Buck yelled out to the silhouette he saw on the horizon. “Is that your husband? Did you both come here to rub it in?”

“Buck stop please.” She could barely catch her breath between sobs.

“Did you come to gloat over the dirty Indian Brenna?” Buck pulled her close and spoke directly to her. “Tell me Bren, that’s what you think of me. I’m just a savage right? A half breed?”

“I never,”

“I heard you and your father, before you left to get married.” He put his arm out to stop her from leaving. “You wouldn’t want to be tied down to half blood Indian children. Isn’t that right?”

“You should have read my letters.”

She never experienced the pain she did as Buck ripped her heart out and trampled all over it. She grabbed the horse’s reigns and pushed him out of the way.

“Brenna you can’t just ride off into nowhere.” Buck shook his head and walked back in to the barn.​She wasn’t his problem anymore. If she wanted to ride off half blind into the wilderness again someone else can go save her this time. He went back to bailing the hay, but try as he might to put her and her damn letters out of his mind they were burning a hole in his pocket. He pulled the small bundle from his pocket and opened the first letter.

﻿Chapter Twenty Six​Blue River, Nebraska March 1871

Dearest Buck, December 15, 1870

I’m sorry it’s taken so long to send you a letter! This is the first time I’ve been able to see well enough to write. I’m very happy to say that the specialist I’m seeing seems to be very good!

Let me back up a bit, as I’m very sorry also that I did not get to say good bye to you my love. When you and I returned I had planned to stay in town as you know however, after speaking to my father he made quite a bit of sense. As parents often do, though many times we wish they wouldn’t.

He pointed out that in my current state I would be a burden to you and I couldn’t ask you to take that burden, and I would hate myself for shackling you with that. So I've gone to Philadelphia to see the specialist that my parents sought out for me.

The treatments are extremely painful. They involve bright lights, and sometimes needles. Those are the worst. I’m also on a very strict diet, mostly leafy greens. I think I’ve lost five pounds already. The good news is I am seeing! Really seeing!

I cannot write any more, my eyes are very tiered but I want to get this in the mail to you so you have news from me. Please be patient and promise me you will wait. I think of nothing but you. Wish I could be there for Christmas!

Forever yours, Bren

Buck quickly folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope before unfolding the next one. He was already feeling like a fool.

Dearest Buck, January 23, 1871

Hello darling! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s! I saved my New Year’s kiss to give you when I see you next! The doctor is very hopeful that I will get to go home soon! I can’t wait!

It’s amazing! I’ve forgotten how bright the sunsets are! I can’t wait to see the stars with you. The stars here aren’t that great. There are too many lights from the city, they drowned them out.

I haven’t heard from you, I hope you are doing well. I know you are a very busy man and don’t have time to write letters and such, but if you could just drop me a quick note to let me know you are alright I would love to hear from you.

I daydream too often about you. Now that I can see, I can’t wait to see you! Our nights in the desert get me through the loneliness. I miss your touch, and the way you kiss me. I really miss the way you kiss me.

Love you always, Bren

Dearest Buck, February 14, 1871

Happy Valentine’s Day! I miss you! Hope you are doing well. I have great news! I just took my eye exam and passed it. My doctor is going to keep me for a few more weeks just to run a few tests but I’m in the clear!

There’s been something that has been weighing on my mind and heart heavily for months. It’s something my father said, and I just don’t know what to think.

If we marry someday and we have children, my father said they would be loathed. Do you feel that? I know it’s selfish but I want children. I think if we love them enough, teach them respect and how much they are loved they will be good kids don’t you think? Do you want children?

Forever,Bren

Buck clenched his jaw and folded the last letter written in March saying she couldn’t wait to see him. She was right, he was an idiot. He’d been so angry at her and the imaginary life he’d made up out of pure speculation on his part. He pulled his shirt on and buttoned a couple buttons as he saw Kid ride into view. He shook his head. Another conclusion he jumped to, thinking it was her husband.

“Where’s Brenna?” Kid slid off his horse.

“I need your horse.” Buck grabbed the reigns and jumped on the horse before Kid had time to ask what was going on.​He didn’t have to track her long. He caught her tracks in the deep mud and fresh grass heading towards the creek. He jumped off the horse and walked over to where she sat.

﻿Chapter Twenty Seven​Blue River, Nebraska March 1871

“I read your letters.” He announced.

“What was the point?” She parroted his words back to him.

The emptiness in her voice was more than he could endure. He had hoped for anger, that he could understand, but she sat there and starred across the creek lost in her own thoughts, as if he didn’t exist. He looked at her face and saw her red and swollen eyes. His heart instantly stung knowing he was the cause of her tears.

“Brenna,” He knelt behind her and pulled her against him, enfolding her in his arms. “I’m so sorry. Please tell me it’s not too late”

Brenna closed her eyes and felt more tears run down her cheeks. She tried to push her own pride away knowing these last six months he thought she left and married another, but the pain of his words weighed heavy on her heart. She pushed his arms away and stood up, still not looking at him.

“I know I’m and idiot. There’s no excuse for my actions. I was heartbroken, I thought I lost you.”

“I just don’t understand.”

“Bren,” He turned her around and wiped a tear away with his thumb as he stroked her cheek with his palm. “Things were so different when it was just the two of us. When we got to town, that man said he was your fiance. I overheard your father warning you about being tied down to someone like me. When you left I let things in my past cloud my judgment and I just assumed the worst.”

“I was never engaged to Luke.”

“I know that now.” He rested his hands on her waist.

“There were things my father said that brought me pause.” Brenna admitted. “Buck, if you love me I know we can be happy. I don’t care what other people think.”

“Your parents?” He questioned.

“My father wants me to be happy.” She looked up at him and touched his lips softly with her fingertips.

“And your mother?”

“She’ll come around.”

“Brenna,”

Impulsively she threw her arms around his neck. Her lips sought his out in desperation. She needed to feel his hands on her body, his mouth on hers. She sighed and melted against him. Buck wrapped his arms around her tightly. No longer was she the tentative young girl he’d rescued in the Arizona desert.

“Does this mean you’ll forgive me?” He asked breathlessly as he pulled her closer.

“Of course I do.” She smiled and held him tightly.

“I love you Brenna.” He kissed her softly on her neck.

“I love you too, and it’s nice to finally be able to see what you look like.”

Brenna broke their embrace and walked towards the orchard. The trees were just barely a few feet tall at that point. She smiled remembering their conversations about the perfect place. He may have been upset, but deep down he had still loved her.

“If I’d known you were coming I would have cleaned up a little.” He smiled and took her hand. “I hope I’m not a disappointment.”

“Not at all.” She bit her lower lip and looked at him mischievously. “My mother however, will be quiet disappointed.”

“Her disappointment was quiet evident the times we have met in the past.” Buck raised his eyebrows.

“No,” Brenna laughed. “I told her that if you didn't love me, that I would go to all the parties, dances and anything she wanted me to and I would marry whomever she wanted me to.”

“You made that deal with her?” Buck questioned.

“I was desperate to see you.” Brenna explained.

“I don’t think I should call on you. I would just cause too much stress on her.” Buck sighed.

“Don’t you dare!” She slapped him playfully.

“Actually, if you think about it," Buck looked at her earnestly. "Are your parents going to get a place here while I court you? Or are you going to write me from Wyoming for a few months? I don’t know about this whole courting thing.”

“What?”

“I think you should just marry me.” He looked over at her and watched her frowning pout turn into disbelief as she looked up at him.

“Are you serious?”

“We know each other more than most couples do when they marry.” Buck walked over to her and took her hands in his. “And we already weathered the worst argument we will ever have. What do you say?”

“Well.” She looked into his eyes and smiled broadly. “I think I’ll marry you Buck Cross.”

Epilogue​Blue River, Nebraska August 1875

Brenna sat on the porch rocking her son softly and watched Buck and a few ranch hands breaking in a new stallion. In the distance she could see a carriage driving towards the house. She had been expecting her parents for the last couple days and it was a mix of excitement and dread. She hadn’t seen her parents since her wedding and though her mother wasn’t happy with the union she minded her tongue and kept silent.

When she and Buck had their first child Lilly, she had hoped her parents would come to visit but her father wrote to her and apologized. Her mother was ill at the time and couldn’t make the trip. Brenna couldn’t help but wonder if she was really ill or didn’t want to visit. After the birth of their son Isaac nine months ago, her father wrote her and told her they would be visiting in August.

Buck joined his wife on the porch and tickled his daughter who sat on a blanket playing with her doll.

“Up, up!” Lilly demanded.

Buck obliged and picked the three year old up. He could tell Brenna had been anxious about her parents visiting, though she hadn’t mentioned it to him. Lilly’s soft brown hair had been meticulously pulled back into two pony tails tied with lavender ribbons. She was wearing a lavender calico print dress, which was unusually clean as Lilly loved to play with the goats and other animals in the barn.

Ferguson O’Shea almost jumped out of the carriage when it stopped. He turned to help his wife out then made a beeline to Brenna.

“Darling!”

“Father!” Brenna hugged him warmly.

She couldn’t help but notice how much older her parents looked since she saw them last. Her father had much more grey in his brown hair and her mother had more worry lines.

“Sir.” Buck shook his hand.

“None of that Sir stuff if you don’t mind.” Ferguson hugged him quickly. “You’re family Son, now let me see this little angel.”

“This is Lilly.” Buck handed her over to her grandfather.

“Hello little one.” Ferguson smiled. “I’m your Grandpa.”

“Hello Mother.” Brenna hugged her mother as she walked towards the porch.

“You look well Brenna.” Her mother patted her back.

“Please come in.” Brenna led her parents into the house. “Mother would you like to hold your grandson?”

“Um, well,”

“I have to check on dinner, it would really be a help.” Brenna noticed her mother’s hesitation yet she could tell she really wanted to hold him as well.

“Give him here.” Colleen sat down on the couch and held her hands out. “Goodness Brenna you have him wrapped so tightly you are going to cut off his circulation.”​Brenna looked over at Buck as both of them smiled at each other and laughed silently.

“Did Lilly have you check under the bed for the monsters?” Buck looked up from the book he was reading.

“Of course.” Brenna walked over and sat on his lap.

“Dinner went well don’t you think?” Buck set his book down.

“Mhmm.” Brenna nibbled on his earlobe and kissed his neck softly. “I think my mother was surprised we weren’t living in a teepee.”

“What?” Buck laughed.

“I think she had some strange idea we were living in a teepee, me in a buckskin dress with dirty little half naked children running around. She probably thinks you are out running around scalping people while they sleep.” Brenna rolled her eyes. “My mother has a very vivid imagination.”

“She probably imagines me running around in a breechcloth.”

“Buck!” Brenna’s mouth dropped open.

“What?” He laughed. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

“What has gotten into you tonight?” She laughed.

“Come woman.” Buck picked her up and walked into their bedroom. “Time to warm my bed.”

The two burst into laughter as they lay on the bed next to each other. Finally Brenna caught her breath and hugged him tightly.

“I don’t know what I would do without you.” She rested her head on his chest.

“You’ll never need to worry about it.” He pulled her close.

“So,” Brenna tugged at his shirt pulling it from his pants and slowing unbuttoning it she planted kisses down his chest.